Question 1

A pregnant woman wants to breastfeed her infant; however, her husband is not convinced that there are any scientific reasons to do so. The nurse can give the couple printed information comparing breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Which statement is true? Bottle-feeding using commercially prepared infant formulas:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that infants who are bottle-fed using commercially prepared formulas have a higher risk of developing allergies compared to infants who are breastfed.

Question 2

A newly delivered mother who intends to breastfeed tells her nurse, "I am so relieved that this pregnancy is over so I can start smoking again." The nurse encourages the woman to refrain from smoking. However, this new mother insists that she will resume smoking. The nurse will need to adapt her health teaching to ensure that the woman is aware that:

Accepted Answer

The mother should always smoke in a room away from the baby. While it is important to encourage the mother to quit smoking entirely, it is also important to provide advice on harm reduction. Smoking in a different room and using smoking cessation aids such as nicotine patches or gum can decrease the amount of harmful substances the baby is exposed to through secondhand smoke. It is important to stress the dangers of smoking and the increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and respiratory infections for the infant.

Question 3

With regard to the nutrient needs of breastfed and formula-fed infants, nurses should be aware that:

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding infants should receive oral vitamin D drops daily at least during the first 2 months. This is because breast milk may not provide enough vitamin D, and infants need vitamin D for proper bone health and growth. The other options are incorrect. Breastfed infants do not need extra water in hot climates as breast milk contains enough water to meet their needs. Formula-fed infants consume more energy during the first 3 months as formula has a higher caloric content compared to breast milk. Vitamin K injections at birth are recommended for all infants to prevent bleeding disorders, regardless of their feeding method.

Question 4

A breastfeeding woman develops engorged breasts at 3 days' postpartum. What action would help this woman achieve her goal of reducing the engorgement? The woman:

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding the infant frequently (every 2 hours) can help reduce engorgement by ensuring that the breasts are emptied regularly. Skipping feedings or reducing fluid intake can actually worsen engorgement, while avoiding a breast pump may not be necessary if the woman wants to use it to relieve discomfort.

Question 5

Which statement concerning the benefits or limitations of breastfeeding is NOT accurate?

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding actually decreases the risk of childhood obesity, so statement D is not accurate. The other statements are true and accurate.

Question 6

A woman who recently arrived from Africa insists upon feeding her infant honey prior to her milk coming in. This statement leads the nurse to believe that the woman should receive further education on infant feeding practices.

Accepted Answer

For many cultures in Southern Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the babies are fed a prelacteal food such as honey or clarified butter. It is the belief that these substances will help clear out the meconium.

Question 7

In helping the breastfeeding mother position the baby, nurses should keep in mind that:

Accepted Answer

It is important for the baby to be "belly to belly" with the mother in any position. The cradle position may not be preferred by all mothers who have had a cesarean birth, and the modified cradle position may not be preferred by all women with perineal pain and swelling. It is not recommended for the mother to push on the baby's head while positioning for breastfeeding.

Question 8

A new father is ready to take his wife and newborn son home. He proudly tells the nurse who is discharging them that within the next week he plans to start feeding the infant cereal between breastfeeding sessions. The nurse can explain to him that beginning solid foods before 4 to 6 months may:

Accepted Answer

Introducing solid foods before 4 to 6 months of age may lead to early cessation of breastfeeding because the baby may become satisfied with solid foods and drink less breast milk. It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months, and then gradually introduce solid foods while continuing to breastfeed throughout the first year.

Question 9

The nurse providing couplet care should understand that nipple confusion results when:

Accepted Answer

Nipple confusion can occur when breastfeeding babies are given bottle feedings, as the sucking technique for a bottle is different from breastfeeding, potentially causing difficulties in latching onto the breast.

Question 10

The best reason for recommending formula over breastfeeding is that:

Accepted Answer

If the mother has a medical condition or is taking drugs that could be harmful to the infant, then formula feeding is the best option for the baby's health and well-being. It is important to prioritize the safety and health of the baby in such situations.

Question 11

According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics on infant nutrition:

Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant's life. This means that infants should only be given human milk and no other foods or liquids, including water. After 6 months, complementary foods can be introduced while still continuing to breastfeed.

Question 12

The process whereby parents awaken the infant to feed every 3 hours during the day and at least every 4 hours at night is:

Accepted Answer

The parents do this to make sure the infant gets at least eight feedings in 24 hours.Demand feeding is when the infant determines the frequency of feedings;this is appropriate once the infant is feeding well and gaining weight.The supply-meets-demand system is a milk production system that occurs naturally.Cluster feeding is not a problem if the baby gets eight feedings in 24 hours.

Question 13

All of these statements indicate impacts of breastfeeding on the family or society at large except:

Accepted Answer

While it is true that breastfeeding may require mothers to take breaks at work or pump milk during work hours, it is not a direct cost to employers. Instead, employers may need to provide a clean and private space for mothers to pump milk, which is actually required by law in many countries. The other three statements (A, B, and D) indicate positive impacts of breastfeeding on the family or society, such as reducing costs, promoting sustainability, and improving health outcomes.

Question 14

A nurse is discussing the signs and symptoms of mastitis with a mother who is breastfeeding. What signs and symptoms should the nurse include in her discussion? Choose all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Breast tenderness, warmth in the breast, an area of redness on the breast often resembling the shape of a pie wedge, and fever and flulike symptoms are all common signs and symptoms of mastitis. A small white blister on the tip of the nipple is not a symptom of mastitis, but rather a sign of a blocked milk duct or a condition called milk bleb.

Question 15

The nurse is discussing storage of breast milk with a mother whose infant is preterm and in the special care unit. Which statement would indicate that the mother needs additional teaching?

Accepted Answer

Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days, not 3 months. Storing breast milk for too long can cause it to spoil and become unsafe for the infant to consume. It is important for the mother to understand proper storage techniques to ensure the safety and quality of the breast milk for her infant.

Question 16

At a 2-month well-baby examination, it was discovered that a breastfed infant had only gained 10 ounces in the past 4 weeks. The mother and the nurse agree that, to gain weight faster, the infant needs to:

Accepted Answer

Adding an extra breastfeeding session every 24 hours will stimulate more milk production from the mother and increase the amount of milk the baby is consuming, leading to weight gain. Starting solid foods or formula supplementation may actually decrease breastfeeding and milk production, and iron supplements may not directly address the issue of weight gain.

Question 17

A new mother recalls from prenatal class that she should try to feed her newborn daughter when she exhibits feeding readiness cues rather than waiting until her infant is crying frantically. On the basis of this information, this woman should feed her infant about every 2½ to 3 hours when she:

Accepted Answer

Making sucking motions is a clear sign of feeding readiness in a newborn infant. Other signs, such as waving arms or stretching legs, may indicate discomfort or other needs, but not necessarily hunger. The hiccups are a common occurrence in newborns and are not necessarily an indication of feeding readiness. Therefore, the mother should look for the specific cue of sucking motions to know when her infant is ready to be fed.

Question 18

A postpartum woman telephones about her 4-day-old infant. She is not scheduled for a weight check until the infant is 10 days old, and she is worried about whether breastfeeding is going well. Effective breastfeeding is indicated by the newborn who:

Accepted Answer

The best indicator of effective breastfeeding in a newborn is the number of wet diapers. A newborn should have at least six to eight wet diapers per day. This indicates that the newborn is getting enough milk and is properly hydrated. It is also important to note that breastfed newborns may have several bowel movements every day or only one every few days, but as long as the stool is soft and yellow, it is considered normal. Sleep patterns vary widely in newborns, and it is not unusual for them to sleep for several hours at a time. Weight gain is also important but should be monitored by a healthcare provider, as 1 to 2 ounces per week is just an average and can vary depending on many factors.

Question 19

A new mother wants to be sure that she is meeting her daughter's needs while feeding her commercially prepared infant formula. The nurse should evaluate the mother's knowledge about appropriate infant care. The mother meets her child's needs when she:

Accepted Answer

Burping the infant during and after feeding helps to release any swallowed air and prevent discomfort or spitting up. Adding rice cereal to formula at 2 weeks of age is not recommended as it can increase the risk of overfeeding and digestive issues. Warming bottles in a microwave can cause uneven heating and hot spots that can burn the baby's mouth. Leftover formula should be discarded after 1 hour and not refrigerated for later use.

Quiz 18: Newborn Nutrition and Feeding